The U.S. Navy is developing a global maritime response plan that will impact how ships and crews are deployed for combat. The Navy is adjusting its presence in the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean regions as a result of continued attacks by Houthi militants in Yemen. Adm. Daryl Caudle is working with his staff to draft this so-called Global Maritime Response Plan, which would not replace the regular forces generated by the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. He aims to have the plan drafted by the end of the year. The Navy is also focusing on optimizing ship readiness and maintenance, testing plans in last summer’s Large Scale Exercise and developing a central repository for ship readiness data.
The Navy is also focused on keeping ships engaged in combat and quickly repairing them if necessary. While the fight in the Middle East has not led to any battle damage, the Navy is preparing plans for any future battle damage, incorporating industry into these drills and considering using foreign repair facilities for up to six U.S.-based ships. Finally, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro has discussed conducting a Military Sealift Command ship repair period in India, with plans for further repairs in Singapore and the Philippines.
